Osprey Observer 2017-2 Riverview/Apollo Beach

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Two Sections, 44 Pages of Community News

Riverview/Apollo Beach See O u Ad O n r Page 13

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February 2017 Volume 15, Issue 2 Ph: 657-2418 C E L E B R A T I N G

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Y E A R S

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P U B L I S H I N G

District Names Elementary “C” Warren Hope Dawson, Proposes New Boundary Changes

By Tamas Mondovics

Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121

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Dawson, a longtime resident of Hillsborough County, is a well-known attorney, and community activist. According to school officials, several community members who came to speak highly on behalf of Dawson and commended him for the great work he has Photo By Hillsborough County Public Schools done in the community. Hillsborough County Superintendent, Jeff Eakins and Warren Hope Dawson pause for photo following the school board naming Following the district’s newest school as the Warren Hope Dawson his graduation Elementary School. from Florida Hillsborough County’s newest eleA&M University, Dawson served in mentary school, once referred to as the U.S. Army Reserve as a commis“Elementary C”, was recently named sioned officer and later attended the Warren Hope Dawson Elementary Howard University School of Law School. graduating with a Juris Doctor Located in the Triple Creek degree. Subdivision in Riverview, just east of “I am very happy and humbled for Balm Riverview Rd. and north of being recognized for years of hard Triple Creek Blvd., the new school is work,” Dawson said after the vote. “I slated to open in the 2017-18 school look forward to getting to know the year with approximately 950 students faculty, staff, and students at the and close to 50 classrooms. school.” More than 280 names that includWarren Hope Dawson Elementary ed, U.S. presidents, former school School will be a part of Area 8 where board members, and community Shaylia McRae serves as area superactivists were submitted to the school intendent. board for consideration. “The parents, students, and comConfident of the selection, the munity partners in Area 8 have supboard voted on the name during its ported this entire process with an regular school board meeting last month. Continued on Page 6

Goodrich Theaters located at 10550 East Bay Rd. in Gibsonton are scheduled to open late February. For its Grand Opening promotion, the company is encouraging downloading of its app and registration for its movie club for a chance to win free movie passes for one year. Riverview residents Stephen and Lacie Krantz were recent winners and more winners will be announced. Visit www.riverview14GDX.com for details.

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Local Student’s Coma Inspires Middle School Relay Fundraising Efforts A young Riverview resident is inspiring residents to raise funds for the American Cancer Society this month at a Relay for Life fundraiser at Barrington Middle School (BMS). Alex Hutchings, 14, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in late December and friends are hoping to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Team at its "Circle of Life Food Truck Rally" in his honor. Alex, who attends BMS, was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Astrocytoma brain tumor after visiting the doctor late last year for a suspected ear infection. He received multiple surgeries in early January and is currently in a coma. The Barrington event, which will take place from 4-8 p.m. on the school’s track, will feature three food trucks, Kona Ice, a DJ truck, bounce houses, games and activities sponsored by the school’s teachers, parents and local businesses. There will also be raffles and luminaries. Admission is free, but tickets for the activities will be sold in advance and at the event. “Alex Hutchings is an amazing, generous, and caring kid,” said Barrington Relay for Life Team Captain Summer Regnier. “Our original plan was to donate 20 percent of the profits from the event to the Hutchings family to help with medical bills; however, since so many fundraisers and activities have been going on in Alex's name, they have decided to donate all of the money raised to finding a cure.” According to Regnier, Alex’s stepmother Natalie Hutchings has been instrumental in organizing the event. “Natalie has been proactive in encourag-

By Kate Quesada

ing others to help in our involvement with Relay for Life although they are not directly profiting from it,” said Regnier. “It's obvious that Natalie and Alex Hutchings,14 Allen have current brain helped raise tumor battle and Alex to be so coma have helpful inspired fundraising efforts because of the at his middle example they school. have set.” Alex is still in a coma but will soon start six weeks of radiation. Doctors and family are staying hopeful for this strong young man. “Everything happens for a reason,” said Natalie. “If this is a way to show others how important it is to live for today and join together for their friend, stranger or classmate, it would make Alex smile.” Visit Facebook and search “Alex’s Benefit Event” for information. Visit www.gofundme.com/kp-prayersforalexhutchings. BMS is located at 5925 Village Center Dr, in Lithia.

In This Issue WINGS OF FREEDOM.........................PG 4

HOA HOT TOPICS..............................PG 6 PUBLIC SAFETY ...............................PG 10 RIBBON CUTTINGS...........................PG 12

CHALKLINES....................................PG 28 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 41 SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 42

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